The Widows Son

Looking for that perfect East London pub where history meets modern vibes? The Widows Son in London isn't just another neighborhood watering hole - it's literally the stuff of naval legends, and trust me, you haven't experienced proper London pub culture until you've spent an evening here.

Let me tell you about the time I stumbled into this Grade II listed gem in Bromley-by-Bow. First off, there's this ACTUAL HOT CROSS BUN hanging above the bar that gets added to every Good Friday by a Royal Navy sailor. Not even kidding! The Widows Son in London has been keeping this tradition alive since 1848, and it's exactly this kind of quirky historical swagger that makes this place absolutely unmissable.

The interior feels like stepping into your coolest friend's living room - if your friend happened to inherit a Victorian pub with gorgeous etched mirrors and dark green wall panels. Those Chesterfield sofas? Perfect for sinking into with a pint after work. And speaking of pints - their beer game is STRONG. They've got this perfect mix of classic pulls and Camden Brewery selections that'll make both your craft beer snob friend and your "just give me a proper pint" mate equally happy.

But wait until I tell you about Sunday roast situation. Picture this: you're nursing a slight hangover, dragging yourself in around 1pm, and BAM - the most beautiful plate of roast beef lands in front of you. We're talking proper Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese (because they're fancy like that), and mushrooms that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about Sunday dining. It's the kind of meal that makes you text your mum "sorry, but I've found a new roast spot."

The atmosphere here does this incredible shape-shifting thing throughout the week. Midweek evenings have this laid-back, catch-up-with-mates vibe, but weekends? That's when The Widows Son really shows off. The mix of old-school regulars and newer faces creates this perfect pub alchemy - like everyone's in on the same brilliant secret.

And can we talk about the Turkish influence on their menu? Because whoever decided to blend traditional pub grub with Mediterranean flair is an absolute genius. Get the grilled prawns. Just trust me on this one. It's the kind of food that makes you realize why people cross London for a good meal.

Dog owners, rejoice! Your four-legged friends are totally welcome here. I've seen everything from tiny terriers to massive mastiffs getting all the attention from cooing patrons. It's like a social club where the dogs have as good a time as their humans.

The outdoor seating area becomes absolute gold during those precious London sunny days. There's something special about sipping a cold one outside a historic pub while watching the world go by. And when the football's on? The atmosphere is electric but never rowdy - it's exactly how watching sports in a pub should be.

Here's your insider tip: they take cards (including contactless), but always good to have some cash for tipping the lovely staff who'll probably know your usual order by your second visit. And location-wise? You're sorted with Devons Road DLR or Bromley-by-Bow tube just a short walk away.

Listen, whether you're planning a casual catch-up, Sunday roast expedition, or looking for your new local, The Widows Son in London needs to be on your radar. This isn't just another London pub - it's a slice of East End history that's somehow managed to stay relevant while keeping its soul intact. Get yourself down here before everyone else discovers it and you have to start booking tables weeks in advance. Trust me, future you will be grateful for this tip!